"We will set precedence and make history. This is very much possible," Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was present, said questioning why a farewell to the chief justice by the state government would be unprecedented.
"Where democracy fails, judiciary comes to the rescue. Both executive and judiciary are dependent on each other, and a close coordination between the two can strengthen our democracy," Banerjee who lit a lamp and cut a cake as it was also Justice Patel's 62nd birthday, said.
Justice Patel said "the President is now from Bengal and also the Chief Justice of India. I will also expect our future Prime Minister from Bengal."
At this, the chief minister said "There is no age for retirement. Its the beginning of new chapter in one's life. You never know if Justice Patel becomes union law minister."
Justice Patel said he was leaving with a sense of fulfilment and contentment as the chief minister responding to his request, helped to strengthen infrastructure of the judiciary in the state.
